Monnierara Millenium Magic 'Witchcraft"

[Corsetière]

So I was hoping someone experienced with Catasetum could give me some advice on what is normal for these plants.

I bought one Monnierara Millenium Witchcraft online and all the leaves except one fell off the largest bulb. The smaller shoot looks ok, although I suspect from it's nearly horizontal growth it would like a bit more light?



When all the leaves started falling off this plant so soon, I thought it was dying so I ordered another. This second one seems to be a more vigorous plant. But a day after it's arrival it also had a leaf turn yellow and fall off. The leaves in general seem pretty floppy too.





These are my first Catasetum so I just don't know what signs to worry about and what is normal. It seems way too early for the yearly rest (especially with the one that is blooming). Is the yellowing leaves just a sign of stress from the shipping? I mean, I guess I would be grumpy if i was pulled out of Hawaii's climate too. I really want my flowers to survive. Do you have any thoughts or advice? Thanks!

[orchidsarefun]

mine are still green and healthy, but it could be due to my microclimate and the fact that I let them get enough filtered sunlight.

The best advice is on this website

Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts

[Corsetière]

Yeah, when the leaves started changing yellow I assumed it was too much light. But now, given the way the first plant is growing almost horizontally, I am thinking maybe it was actually not enough light?

[Bud]

when the spikes grow longer and the buds appear in sight, the lower leaves start to yellow and drop....it is beginning to start the rest period.
If you are watering this every other day then you might just water this weekly....
the first plant needs water and fertilizer because it is still in growth mode.
read the SVO link given to you it is imperative that you understand it and give it the proper rest that it needs according to your environment....

[Corsetière]

Ok, so I don't need to panic.

I have been water about once a week. Just when the bamboo stake is dry. Should I start decreasing even though it is in bloom?

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Catasetum will loose all the leaves before winter, when it goes to DORMANCY for the winter. During the winter you must keep it totally DRY before new growth has roots long at least 3-5 inches. NO FERTILIZER as well. Once you have new growths with the roots in the spring, start regular watering and fertilizing. Catasetums are really different than your regular orchids, just read about how to care for them, you must follow these conditions for your orchid to grow and bloom again next year.

East Everglades Orchids Society

[Bud]

maintain once a week watering but stop the fertilizer.....when the flowers and leaves are all gone, start the winter rest= unpot it and wash the roots then put it in an empty pot bare root and place it in a bright place and forget about it....no water until you see a five inches growth or at least three inches root growth on the new plant....restrain yourself from watering this or you will rot the plant....there is enough energy in the bulb to sustain the new plant so no worries....

[Corsetière]

Yes, Tommy, I've read about rest period. It just seemed so early for this. All the sources I've read said generally it begins in mid to late November. Maybe the darkness of the shipping gave it a push?

[orchidsarefun]

this is mine - also from Hawaii originally. Same tag and same little black pot as yours. Mine is from a nursery that acclimated the plant well.
I repacked it into a bigger, stabilised pot.
I think you are right that the shipping triggered a leaf response.
BTW - that stake in front helps prevent the "bulb" from curving. I have another, unstaked, and its curved towards the light. Doesn't look as nice.





Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[Corsetière]

Yours looks great! I think I do need a stake for them.
I might try them outside next year too, to get some more light for them.